To the Expositor:
I am writing to you in regards to the Manitoulin Leadership Group (MLG), formed at the outset of COVID-19. This group continues to meet monthly. Participants, including NEMI head-of-council, are paid to attend. When I inquired on how to attend these meetings, I was informed by NEMI ‘that due to the sensitivity of the topics and information, these meetings are not open to the public.’
The group was formed partly to address the closing of highways at M’Chigeeng, the possible closing of the swing bridge, and the placement of the COVID-19 field hospital. These were all important concerns being addressed without any official record.
At the June 19, 2024 Manitoulin Municipal Association meeting, it was pointed out that the Manitoulin Leadership Group does not keep minutes due to the nature of the presentations being provided.
There are 16 official committees that NEMI participates in. These committees meet publicly, make decisions, provide agendas, minutes, budgets and are otherwise transparent and available for questioning from the general public. Such committees include the Manitoulin Municipal Association, Community Policing Advisory Committee and the Manitoulin-Sudbury District Social Services Board. There is no NEMI listing for the MLG. There is no opportunity for citizens to be made aware of MLG discussions, except for that which the MLG wishes for us to know.
Elected municipal and First Nation, along with unelected government officials, CEOs and law enforcement members (among others) effectively meet in secret and shape policy that could greatly impact the lives of Manitoulin citizens.
Total disclosure must be made as to the mandate, full membership, funding, frequency and location of meetings, as well as access to minutes, agendas, and actions taken affecting the people of Manitoulin. Members of the public must be allowed to attend these meetings.
Sincerely,
Zak Nicholls
Little Current
